Former Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell to step down as MP | Politics | The Guardian Sir Menzies Campbell Former Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell to step down as MP Campbell, who first became an MP in 1987, announces he will not contest North East Fife seat in 2015 election Sir Menzies Campbell will step down as MP for North East Fife at the next general election. Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images Wednesday 9 October 2013 11.52 EDT First published on Wednesday 9 October 2013 11.52 EDT Close This article is 3 years old Former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell will step down as an MP at the next election after almost three decades in the House of Commons. Campbell, known as Ming, will not contest North East Fife in 2015, setting up a battle for his party to defend a 9,000-strong majority in the seat against the Conservatives and Labour.

The former barrister and athlete entered the house in 1987 and later became leader of the Lib Dems from 2006 to 2007, after Charles Kennedy and before Nick Clegg. Announcing his retirement in 2015, the 72-year-old said: "It's been an enormous privilege to have been an MP for 26 years and to represent such a wonderful constituency as North East Fife. "My wife and I have made many friends and have been supported by constituents of all political persuasions and none. "It is always a regret to begin the process of retiring from the House of Commons but I believe now is the time to start. I have written to Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats , and to Harry Wills, chairman of the North East Fife constituency party." In his letter to Clegg, the Lib Dem leader and deputy prime minister, Campbell said he had "reached the conclusion that now would be the right time to step down and to allow someone else to have the opportunity to serve the people of North East Fife".

He added: "Between now and 2015 I will maintain my efforts to be as effective a representative of my constituents and their interests as I can and to the best of my ability support yourself, our party and its interests." Campbell competed in the 1964 Olympic games, holding the UK 100m record at one point. He later became a barrister and won a seat in parliament as a Liberal MP on his fifth attempt in 1987. He served as his party's foreign affairs spokesman before succeeding Kennedy as leader, but he stepped down after less than two years in the job in the midst of poor poll ratings. After serving in six parliaments as an MP, he will be a likely candidate to be offered a Lib Dem peerage in the House of Lords. UK Polling Report Geography: Scotland, Mid Scotland and Fife. Part of the Fife council area. Main population centres: St. Andrews, Cupar, Newport-on-Tay, Newburgh, Auchtermuchty, Anstruther, Ladybank, Pittenweem.

Profile: The "East Neuk" end of the Fife peninsula, this is a prosperous rural area, popular with tourists and for second homes and far less industrial than other parts of Fife. The electorate is spread across a large number of small towns, the largest is St Andrews, home to the famous golf course and Scotland`s oldest university. Politics: North East Fife has a long Liberal tradition - it was once represented by Herbert Asquith, the Liberal Prime Minister. The Liberal MPs here in the 20s and 30s were part of the factions who backed the National Government and would eventually merge into the Conservative party after the Second World War bringing this seat with them - it was represented by a National Liberal MP from 1929 until 1961 and the victor of the 1961 by-election stood as a Conservative and National Liberal candidate. With the final extinction of the National Liberals it remained a Conservative seat until 1987 when it was won by Menzies Campbell, later to serve as Lib Dem leader. The similar North East Fife seat in the Scottish Parliament was gained by the SNP in 2011, and the Westminster seat followed in 2015.

Current MP STEPHEN GETHINS (SNP) Educated at Dundee University. Former consultant and advisor to Alex Salmond. First elected as MP for Fife North East in 2015. Past Results Former Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell to step down as MP Former Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell to step down as MP STV The 72-year-old said it had been an 'enormous privilege' to represent North-East Fife for 26 years. Former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell is to quit Parliament at the next general election. The 72-year-old, who has represented North East Fife since 1987, said it had been an “enormous privilege” to serve the constituency for a quarter of a century. Sir Menzies led the party from 2006, after Charles Kennedy resigned, before being succeeded by Nick Clegg the following year. In 2002 he underwent chemotherapy after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a form of cancer. He said: “It's been an enormous privilege to have been an MP for 26 years and to represent such a wonderful constituency as North East Fife.

My wife and I have made many friends and have been supported by constituents of all political persuasions and none. "It is always a regret to begin the process of retiring from the House of Commons but I believe now is the time to start. I have written to Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats, and to Harry Wills, chairman of the North East Fife constituency party." Sir Menzies was chairman of the Scottish Liberal Party from 1975 to 1977 before entering Parliament in 1987. He had previously been an advocate, becoming a QC in 1982. He was the party’s foreign affairs spokesman for nearly a decade before taking over as leader, having been knighted in 2004, but his spell in charge was marked by poor poll ratings and he stepped down after just 19 months. He has most recently served on the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee and the Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee. As a young man he was an Olympic sprinter, competing in the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, captaining the Scottish athletics team at the 1966 Commonwealth Games and holding the UK 100 metres record for seven years.

Mr Clegg said it was "a sad day for me, my party and British politics as a whole". "Sir Menzies has been a towering presence in British politics for the past three decades. He has served this country and our party with unparalleled distinction," said Mr Clegg. "Most people would be satisfied with just one outstanding career but Menzies Campbell has had three - as an Olympic athlete, a renowned QC, and a leading politician. "It has been a great honour to succeed Sir Menzies as the leader of the Liberal Democrats. As well as being an outstanding leader, Sir Menzies is a brilliant orator and someone who commands both attention and affection from all sides of the House in Westminster. "Of his many achievements in politics, I suspect he will be most vividly remembered for his passionate and articulate opposition to the war in Iraq. "Sir Menzies Campbell has served the people of North East Fife with distinction for an astonishing 26 years. I know he will continue to do so over the next year and a half and in the many other roles he fulfils in the area, such as his Chancellorship of St Andrews University.

"Speaking personally, I have relied for a long time on Ming's enormous wisdom and knowledge and his retirement from Westminster is a sad day for me, my party and British politics as a whole." Share this article By continuing you agree to our Terms of Use , including our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy . Any issues contact us . Upload Profile Picture Close Please make sure your image is under 2mb in size and a valid JPG, PNG or GIF. Select file Are you sure? Close Unfortunately, you'll be unable to access our premium content. We’ll be sorry to see you go, but if you change your mind you can rejoin us at any time. Cancel Please verify your STV account Close Please verify your STV account using the email we sent you. If you have lost the email, we can send you another one, just click the button below. Thanks We've sent you a new verification email. Please check your email and follow the instructions to verify your account. Close This field is required. That doesn't look like a valid e-mail format, please check. Location Please tick this box to confirm that you are a resident of the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man. This field is required.

Parental Consent Please tick this box to confirm that you have received consent from a parent or guardian in order to complete this form and submit your vote. This field is required. That's you. All that's left is to click the 'Submit Vote' button below. By doing so, you confirm that you and your parent or guardian have read and accept our Voting Terms of Use , Privacy Policy and Cookie policy , and that the details you have entered are correct. We'll look after them as carefully as if they were our own. Election 2015: Who are the 56 new SNP MPs? - BBC News BBC News Election 2015: Who are the 56 new SNP MPs? 8 May 2015 Close share panel Image copyright EPA The SNP will have its largest ever tally in the new Parliament, with 56 MPs. But who are the men and women representing the party at Westminster? The new SNP group at Westminster is a mix of hardened party activists and recent recruits. Among the ranks are some who have joined the party with in the last year, as well as experienced councillors and former members of the Scottish parliament at Holyrood.

From a 20-year-old student to a former rock star, here's a guide to some of them. Tommy Sheppard Image copyright Reuters Image caption Tommy Sheppard, left, used to work for the Labour Party The new MP for Edinburgh East is an ex-Labour councillor and former deputy general secretary of the Scottish Labour Party. For years, he has run the Stand Comedy Club, which plays hosts to some of the top names in British comedy. In that job, he has played a key role in Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Mr Sheppard has been a member of the SNP for a matter of months, joining after the Scottish independence referendum last year. At the time, he told the Edinburgh Evening News that he was not a nationalist, but thought the party best represented Scotland's interests. John Nicolson Image copyright Reuters Mr Nicolson beat senior Lib Dem Jo Swinson to take the East Dunbartonshire seat. He is a former speech writer for a US senator and a former BBC journalist, who reported for Panorama, Newsnight and Watchdog among others. He presented BBC News 24's live coverage of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York.

Mr Nicolson has been a member of the SNP since he was 16. Natalie McGarry Image copyright PA Image caption The new MP for Glasgow East poses with SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, and other newly elected SNP MPs Patrick Grady and Christopher Stephens The new MP for Glasgow East comes from a family of SNP activists - her mother is a councillor and her aunt is an MSP. But her partner is Glasgow's sole Conservative councillor. Ms McGarry was a prominent member of the Women for Independence campaign during the referendum campaign. On Thursday, she defeated Labour's shadow Scottish secretary Margaret Curran to win this seat, where Labour had a massive 11,000 majority last time. It was, however, held briefly by the SNP before, when John Mason won a by-election in 2008. George Kerevan Image copyright SNP The new MP for East Lothian is a prominent Scottish journalist and another former member of the Labour Party. He served as a Labour councillor in Edinburgh for 12 years before switching allegiance to the SNP.

He stood for the Nationalists in Edinburgh East in 2010 and was beaten by 9,181 votes, but has managed to turn that deficit around and unseat Labour's Fiona O'Donnell. Alex Salmond Image copyright Reuters Image caption Alex Salmond is back at Westminster, but what role will he play? You might have heard of this man before. Mr Salmond was an MP for 23 years before standing down to focus his attention on the Scottish Parliament. He was leader of the party twice and is Scotland's longest-serving first minister. Now, he's back at Westminster. But what role will he play in the new SNP team? Angus Robertson was the party's Westminster leader in the last Parliament. Does Mr Salmond want his job? Mhairi Black Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Student Mhairi Black beat Labour election guru Douglas Alexander One of the most remarkable upsets of election night, Ms Black beat Labour's election guru and former shadow foreign secretary Douglas Alexander in Paisley and Renfrewshire South. Ms Black is a student at Glasgow University and has said she intends to sit her finals despite becoming one of the youngest MPs in recent times, aged just 20.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, she studies politics. Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh Image copyright Getty Images The new MP for Ochil and South Perthshire has not always been an SNP supporter. She was a member of the Conservative Party until 2000, standing for the Scottish Parliament for the Tories in 1999. She left the party over its policy on asylum seekers and joined the SNP in 2000. It later emerged that she had also been a member of the Labour Party in the 1990s and campaigned for former Glasgow Labour MP Mohammad Sarwar. In 2013, she was made an OBE for services to business and to Scotland's Asian community. Roger Mullin Image copyright SNP Mr Mullin scored another remarkable victory on election night, overturning a Labour majority of 23,000 in what used to be Gordon Brown's seat. Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath was, in 2010, Labour's safest seat in Scotland. Mr Mullin is an honorary professor at the University of Stirling and a former vice-convenor of the SNP.

Kirsten Oswald Image copyright Reuters Image caption Ms Oswald defeated Scottish Labour Party leader Jim Murphy in the East Renfrewshire seat Ms Oswald was responsible for another of the biggest SNP coups on election night - taking Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy's seat in East Renfrewshire. She joined the party last year and was a member of the Women for Independence group that campaigned around the referendum. She was criticised by some after writing to Conservatives in the constituency asking them to "lend" her their vote. Ian Blackford Image copyright SNP Mr Blackford hasn't always been a favourite of the SNP leadership. In 2000, he was suspended as party treasurer after a motion of no confidence was passed at the SNP conference. He threatened to sue Alex Salmond amid the row. But now he's back in the fold. On Thursday, he beat former Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy in Ross, Skye and Lochaber. Joanna Cherry Image copyright SNP The new MP for Edinburgh South West is an advocate who was appointed Queen's Counsel in 2009. Ms Cherry joined the SNP in 2008 and co-founded the Lawyers for Yes campaign ahead of the independence referendum.

She succeeds former Labour chancellor Alistair Darling - who had a 5,447 majority in 2010 - as MP. Stuart Donaldson Image caption The 23-year-old's celebrated his win with his mother who is Public Health Minister in the Scottish government Mr Donaldson, the new MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, comes from a political family. His mother Maureen Watt is minister of public health in the Scottish government. After her son, 23, was selected to contest the seat, she told the Press and Journal newspaper : "I am flabbergasted. Someone who was quite resistant to ever delivering a leaflet for me is now standing for the Westminster parliament." Drew Hendry Image copyright SNP Mr Hendry - the leader of Highland council - beat former Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander in Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey. He has previously told the Ross-shire Journal it was the 1979 devolution referendum in Scotland that sparked his political awakening - when he was just 13 or 14.

Pete Wishart Image copyright Twitter Image caption The SNP MP was thrilled to more than double his majority in Perth and North Perthshire Mr Wishart has represented Perth and North Perthshire since 2005, and was MP for North Tayside before constituency borders were redrawn. As well as being a prolific tweeter, he was a member of the bands Runrig - of Loch Lomond fame - and Big Country. Until 1998, he was a member of the Labour Party. Anne McLaughlin Image copyright SNP Winning Glasgow North East is another major scalp for the SNP. In 2010, Labour had a massive majority of 15,942. Willie Bain, the former MP, took almost 70% of the vote last time. Ms McLaughlin was an MSP between 2009 and 2011, having taken one of the SNP's regional list places after the death of Bashir Ahmad. The others Image copyright SNp Image caption Top row (from left) - Kisrty Blackman, Callum McCaig, Neil Gray.

Bottom row (from left) - Mike Weir, Brendan O'Hara, Corri Wilson Aberdeen North - Kirsty Blackman, has been a councillor since 2007 and is Convener of SNP Group on Aberdeen City Council. Aberdeen South - Callum McCaig is SNP Group Leader on Aberdeen City Council . He was also elected to the council in 2007. He used to be council leader, first taking that role at the age of just 26. He beat Anne Begg, the areas's MP since 1997. Airdrie and Shotts - Neil Gray is a former BBC journalist. He has worked for SNP MSP Alex Neil as a researcher and office manager. He overturned Labour's 12,408 majority from 2010. Angus - Mike Weir had been elected to Westminster three times before Thursday's election, taking this seat in 2001, 2005 and 2010. Argyll and Bute - Brendan O'Hara - a former TV producer - had stood twice for the party before his election. He won this seat despite the SNP coming fourth in 2010.

Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock - Corri Wilson is an SNP councillor in South Ayrshire. The SNP came third here last time. Image copyright SNP Image caption Top row (from left) - Eilidh Whiteford; Calum Kerr and Paul Monaghan. Bottom row (from left) - Philippa Whitford, Philip Boswell and Stuart McDonald Banff and Buchan - Eilidh Whiteford first won election to Westminster in 2010 after Alex Salmond stood down as MP for the constituency. Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk - Calum Kerr was Chair of Yes Scottish Borders. He works for a telecommunications company. This is another seat where the SNP were a distant fourth last time - the previous SNP candidate took just 9.2% of the vote. Caithness, Sutherland and Easter - Paul Monaghan is a Director of the Highland Homeless Trust. He joined the SNP in 1994 and founded the "Yes Highland" group in the run up to the independence referendum. Central Ayrshire - Philippa Whitford was born in Northern Ireland and is a consultant surgeon. She played an active role in the referendum campaign.

In 2010, the SNP finished third behind the Conservatives. Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill - Philip Boswell is a quantity surveyor and is married with three children. He overturned Labour's 20,714 majority from 2010 to win here. Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East - Stuart McDonald has been an SNP activist for twenty years after joining the party aged just 20. He works for a Glasgow-based anti-racism charity. Image copyright SNP Image caption Top row (from left) - Richard Arkless; Stewart Hosie and Chris Law. Bottom row (from left) - Douglas Chapman; Martin Docherty and Lisa Cameron Dumfries and Galloway - Richard Arkless is a former lawyer who runs his own online business. The SNP finished third here in 2010, 17,000 votes behind Labour. Dundee East - Stewart Hosie is deputy leader of the SNP and has been MP here since 2005. Dundee West - Chris Law runs his own business as a financial advisor. He says he has been "galvanized" by politics in the last seven years.

Dunfermline and West Fife - Douglas Chapman is a councillor for Rosyth. He made up a 17,000-vote deficit to win this seat. West Dunbartonshire - Martin Docherty was first elected a councillor in 1992 at the age of 21. He currently sits on Glasgow City Council. East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow - Lisa Cameron is an NHS consultant and union representative. Image copyright SNP Image caption Top row (from left) - Deidre Brock; Michelle Thomson and John McNally. Bottom row (from left) - Alison Thewliss; Patrick Grady and Carol Monaghan Edinburgh North and Leith - Deidre Brock is Deputy Lord Provost of Edinburgh. She was born in Australia and decided to move to Scotland after a holiday in the country. Edinburgh West - Michelle Thomson is a small business owner who was managing director of the pro-independence Business for Scotland group. According to the SNP, she spoke at more than 90 events before last year's referendum. Falkirk - John McNally is a local councillor in Falkirk. He previously contested the seat against Eric Joyce in 2010, coming second.

Glasgow Central - Alison Thewliss is a councillor in Glasgow. She overturned Labour's 10,000 majority, defeating former deputy Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. Glasgow North - Patrick Grady has been national secretary of the SNP since 2012. Glasgow North West - Carol Monaghan has worked for many years as a science teacher at a school in Glasgow. She overcame a 10,000 majority to win this seat. Image copyright SNP Image caption Top row (from left) - Stewart McDonald; Christopher Stephens and Peter Grant. Bottom row (from left) - Ronnie Cowan; Alan Brown and Angela Crawley Glasgow South - Stewart McDonald works for SNP MSP James Dornan. He beat former MP Tom Harris to take the seat. Glasgow South West - Christopher Stephens is a union activist employed by Glasgow Council. He stood in this seat in 2010, losing by almost 15,000 votes. Not this time. Glenrothes - Peter Grant is a former leader of Fife Council. He succeeds Labour's Lindsay Roy, who did not contest the election, as MP.

Inverclyde - Ronnie Cowan runs his own IT company. He ran the pro-independence campaign in Greenock. Kilmarnock and Loudoun - Alan Brown has been a local councillor for eight years. Lanark and Hamilton East - Angela Crawley is councillor in Hamilton. She is convenor of the SNP's youth wing. She overturned a healthy Labour majority of 13,478 to win this seat. Image copyright SNP Image caption Top row (from left) - Martyn Day; Hannah Bardell and Angus Robertson. Bottom row (from left) - Marion Fellows; Angus MacNeil and Patricia Gibson Linlithgow and East Falkirk - Martyn Day is another councillor. He overturned a majority of 12,553. Livingston - Hannah Bardell is a former journalist who worked for STV Glasgow and GMTV in London. She won this seat, formerly held by the late Labour MP Robin Cook, overturning a Labour majority of 10,791 in 2010. Moray - Angus Robertson has been the SNP's leader at Westminster since 2007.

He has been MP for Moray since 2001, when he took over from Margaret Ewing. Midlothian - Owen George Thompson is leader of Midlothian council. He was first elected to the council in 2005, at which point he was the youngest councillor. He won this seat with over 50% of the vote - despite the SNP finishing 10,000 votes behind Labour in 2010. Motherwell and Wishaw - Marion Fellows is a councillor and has taught in further education. She beat Frank Roy, who had been MP here since 1997. Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Western Isles) - Angus MacNeil has been an SNP MP since 2005. North Ayrshire and Arran - Patricia Gibson teaches English, is a local councillor and has been active in the party for 17 years. Image copyright SNP Image caption Top row (from left) - Stephen Gethins and Gavin Newlands. Bottom row (from left) - Margaret Ferrier and Steven Paterson North East Fife - Stephen Gethins used to be an adviser to the first minister on European and international affairs.

This seat was previously held by Menzies Campbell, the former Lib Dem leader who stepped down at the election. Paisley and Renfrewshire North - Gavin Newlands is a community councillor. He overturned a massive 15,280 Labour majority from 2010. Rutherglen and Hamilton West - Margaret Ferrier works for a manufacturing construction com pany and is an elected community councillor. She overturned Labour's Tom Greatrex's 21,002 majority. Stirling - Steven Paterson has been a councillor since 2007. He also works as a researcher for MSP Bruce Crawford. He succeeds Anne McGuire, who stood down at the election.

New Peerages List in Full - Guido Fawkes Guido Fawkes New Peerages List in Full Nominations from the Leader of the Conservative Party James Arbuthnot – former MP for North East Hampshire and Front Bench Minister Rt Hon Gregory Barker – former MP for Bexhill and Battle and former Minister of State at the Department for Energy and Climate Change Catherine Fall – Deputy Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister Simone Finn – Special Adviser to the Minister of State for Trade Stephen Gilbert – Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party Rt Hon William Hague – former MP for Richmond and former Foreign Secretary Robert Hayward OBE – former MP for Kingswood, Board Member of Dignity in Dying and Trustee for the YMCA Rt Hon Douglas Hogg QC – former MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham and held several ministerial roles Rt Hon Andrew Lansley CBE – former MP for South Cambridgeshire and former Cabinet Minister James Lupton CBE – Chairman of Greenhill Europe and former Co-Treasurer of the Conservative Party Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE – CEO of Mitie Group PLC Anne McIntosh – former MP for Thirsk and Malton and Chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee Michelle Mone OBE –

 leading entrepreneur and sits on the Board of Directors for The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust James O’Shaughnessy – Managing Director of Floreat Education Emma Pidding CBE – former Chiltern District Councillor and former Chairman of the National Conservative Convention Stuart Polak CBE – Director of the Conservative Friends of Israel Councillor Gary Porter – Councillor for South Holland District Council and Chairman of the Local Government Association Councillor Elizabeth Redfern – Leader of North Lincolnshire Council Rt Hon Andrew Robathan – former MP for South Leicestershire and several Front Bench and government roles Kate Rock – Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party Councillor Jane Scott OBE – Leader of the Wiltshire Council Kevin Shinkwin – longstanding voluntary sector professional Philip Smith CBE – Chief Executive of the Association of Conservative Clubs Philippa Stroud – Special Adviser to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Rt Hon David Willetts – former MP for Havant and several Front Bench roles Rt Hon Sir George Young Bt CH – former MP for North West Hampshire and former Cabinet Minister Nominations from the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party at the time of Dissolution Sir Alan Beith – former MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed and former

 Chair of the Justice Select Committee Sharon Bowles – former MEP for South East England Sir Malcolm Bruce – former MP for Gordon, and former Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats Lorley Burt – former MP for Solihull and former Chair of the Liberal Democrats Rt Hon Sir Menzies ‘Ming’ Campbell CH, CBE, QC – former MP for North East Fife and former Leader of the Liberal Democrats Lynne Featherstone – former MP for Hornsey and Wood Green and held several ministerial positions Don Foster – former MP for Bath and former Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Jonny Oates – former Chief of Staff to the Deputy Prime Minister in the coalition government Shas Sheehan – former Councillor for Kew and involved in several community groups Sir Andrew Stunell – former MP for Hazel Grove and former Department for Communities and Local Government Minister Dorothy Thornhill MBE – Mayor of Watford; former Councillor and Assistant Headteacher Nominations from the Leader of the Labour Party at the time of Dissolution Rt Hon David Blunkett – former MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough and former Cabinet Minister Rt Hon Alistair Darling – former MP for Edinburgh South West and former Cabinet Minister Rt Hon Peter Hain – former MP for Neath and

 former Cabinet Minister Rt Hon Tessa Jowell DBE – former MP for Dulwich and West Norwood and former Cabinet Minister Spencer Livermore – senior Campaign Strategist for the Labour Party Paul Murphy – former MP for Torfaen and former Cabinet Minister Rt Hon Dawn Primarolo DBE – former MP for Bristol South and former Minister Dave Watts – former MP for St Helens North and former Chair of Parliamentary Labour Party Dissolution Peerages 2015 - Press releases - GOV.UK Dissolution Peerages 2015 First published: 27 August 2015 The Queen has been graciously pleased to signify Her intention of conferring the following Peerages of the United Kingdom for Life.

The Queen has been graciously pleased to signify Her intention of conferring Peerages of the United Kingdom for Life upon the undermentioned: Nominations from the Leader of the Conservative Party James Arbuthnot – former MP for North East Hampshire and Front Bench Minister Rt Hon Gregory Barker – former MP for Bexhill and Battle and former Minister of State at the Department for Energy and Climate Change Catherine Fall – Deputy Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister Simone Finn – Special Adviser to the Minister of State for Trade Stephen Gilbert – Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party Rt Hon William Hague – former MP for Richmond and former Foreign Secretary Robert Hayward OBE – former MP for Kingswood, Board Member of Dignity in Dying and Trustee for the YMCA Rt Hon Douglas Hogg QC – former MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham and held several ministerial roles Rt Hon Andrew Lansley CBE – former MP for South Cambridgeshire and former Cabinet Minister James Lupton CBE – Chairman of Greenhill Europe and former Co-Treasurer of the Conservative Party Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE – CEO of Mitie Group PLC Anne McIntosh – former MP for Thirsk and Malton and Chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee Michelle M

one OBE – leading entrepreneur and sits on the Board of Directors for The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust James O’Shaughnessy – Managing Director of Floreat Education Emma Pidding CBE – former Chiltern District Councillor and former Chairman of the National Conservative Convention Stuart Polak CBE – Director of the Conservative Friends of Israel Councillor Gary Porter – Councillor for South Holland District Council and Chairman of the Local Government Association Councillor Elizabeth Redfern – Leader of North Lincolnshire Council Rt Hon Andrew Robathan – former MP for South Leicestershire and several Front Bench and government roles Kate Rock – Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party Councillor Jane Scott OBE – Leader of the Wiltshire Council Kevin Shinkwin – longstanding voluntary sector professional Philip Smith CBE – Chief Executive of the Association of Conservative Clubs Philippa Stroud – Special Adviser to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Rt Hon David Willetts – former MP for Havant and several Front Bench roles Rt Hon Sir George Young Bt CH – former MP for North West Hampshire and former Cabinet Minister Nominations from the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party at the time of Dissolution Sir Alan Beith – former MP for Berwick-upon

-Tweed and former Chair of the Justice Select Committee Sharon Bowles – former MEP for South East England Sir Malcolm Bruce – former MP for Gordon, and former Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats Lorely Burt – former MP for Solihull and former Chair of the Liberal Democrats Rt Hon Sir Menzies ‘Ming’ Campbell CH , CBE , QC – former MP for North East Fife and former Leader of the Liberal Democrats Lynne Featherstone – former MP for Hornsey and Wood Green and held several ministerial positions Don Foster - former MP for Bath and former Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Jonny Oates – former Chief of Staff to the Deputy Prime Minister in the coalition government Shas Sheehan – former Councillor for Kew and involved in several community groups Sir Andrew Stunell – former MP for Hazel Grove and former Department for Communities and Local Government Minister Dorothy Thornhill MBE – Mayor of Watford; former Councillor and Assistant Headteacher Nominations from the Leader of the Labour Party at the time of Dissolution Rt Hon David Blunkett – former MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough and former Cabinet Minister Rt Hon Alistair Darling – former MP for Edinburgh South West and former Cabinet Minister Rt Hon Peter Hain – former MP

 for Neath and former Cabinet Minister Rt Hon Tessa Jowell DBE – former MP for Dulwich and West Norwood and former Cabinet Minister Spencer Livermore – senior Campaign Strategist for the Labour Party Paul Murphy – former MP for Torfaen and former Cabinet Minister Rt Hon Dawn Primarolo DBE – former MP for Bristol South and former Minister Dave Watts – former MP for St Helens North and former Chair of Parliamentary Labour Party See also the list of Dissolution Honours 2015 .

Notes to editors All nominations were vetted for propriety by the House of Lords Appointments Commission. Short citations for each nomination are included below: James Arbuthnot: Member of Parliament for Wanstead, and later North East Hampshire, 1987 to 2015, taking on a number of influential Front Bench and Parliamentary roles in those years, including Minister of State for Defence Procurement; Opposition Chief Whip; a member of the Intelligence and Security Committee and Chairman of the Defence Select Committee. Rt Hon Gregory Barker: Former Member of Parliament for Bexhill and Battle, 2001 to 2015, during which time he was the longest serving UK Energy Minister for 20 years, serving as Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change, 2010 to 2014. Catherine Fall: Conservative Party professional with 20 years experience. Deputy Chief of Staff to David Cameron as Leader of the Opposition, 2005 to 2010; and to the Prime Minister, 2010 to present. Simone Finn: Special Adviser to the government, focusing on industrial relations, efficiency and civil service reform.

Former member of the Conservative Party’s Implementation Team prior to the 2010 General Election. Stephen Gilbert: Long standing Conservative Party professional with 30 years experience. Currently Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party with responsibility for campaigning; former Political Secretary to Prime Minister David Cameron, 2010 to 2015. Rt Hon William Hague: Member of Parliament for Richmond, Yorkshire, 1989 to 2015. Former Conservative Party Leader, 1997 to 2001. Shadow Foreign Secretary, 2005 to 2010; Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State, 2010 to 2014; and Leader of the House of Commons, 2014 to 2015. Robert Hayward OBE : Board Member and Treasurer of Dignity in Dying and a Trustee of the YMCA. Former Conservative Member of Parliament for Kingswood Bristol, 1982 to 1992, and later Chief Executive of the British Soft Drink Association and of the British Beer and Pub Association. Prominent spokesman on gay and lesbian issues.

Rt Hon Douglas Hogg QC : Member of Parliament for Grantham, later Sleaford and North Hykeham, 1979 to 2010. Former Minister for Industry and Enterprise; Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Rt Hon Andrew Lansley CBE : Member of Parliament for South Cambridgeshire, 1997 to 2015 and longstanding member of the Conservative Front Bench. Shadow Secretary of State for Health, 2003 to 2010; Secretary of State for Health, 2010 to 2012; Leader of the House of Commons, 2012 to 2014. James Lupton CBE : Businessman and leading philanthropist. Co-founded the London office of Greenhill and Co. and with 36 years of business experience, is now Chairman of Greenhill Europe. Recently served as Chairman of Dulwich Picture Gallery; has been a Trustee of the British Museum, and Chairman of the Lupton family charitable foundation, The Lovington Foundation, specialising in arts education and youth welfare.

Co-Treasurer of the Conservative Party since 2013. Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE : Chair of the Women’s Business Council and Chief Executive of Mitie Group plc, the strategic outsourcing company – she is one of a small number of women holding the position of Chief Executive in the FTSE 250 or 100 and is the first Asian woman to be appointed in such a role within that group of companies. Anne McIntosh: Former Conservative Member of the European Parliament and later Member of Parliament for the Vale of York and Thirsk and Malton constituencies. Chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, 2010 to 2015. Michelle Mone OBE : One of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs, founding several successful businesses, including Ultimo, the UK’s leading designer lingerie brand. Plays an active role in mentoring programmes, with a particular emphasis on encouraging entrepreneurship in the young. Sits on the Board of Directors for The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust.

James O’Shaughnessy: Managing Director of the charity, Floreat Education; former Director of Policy and Research for the Conservative Party, authoring the Conservatives’ 2010 general election manifesto, and Director of Policy in 10 Downing Street, 2010 to 2011. Emma Pidding CBE : Longstanding senior figure in the Conservative voluntary party. Former Chiltern District Councillor and, between 2012 to 2015, served as Chairman of the Conservative Party’s National Convention, which also led to her being appointed Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party Board. Stuart Polak CBE : Director of the Conservative Friends of Israel (CFI) since 1989. Former Youth and Community Worker for the United Synagogue, Edgware. Founding Vice Chairman and creator of the Governors of Hersmere Jewish Primary School; and Trustee of Yavneh College, an Academy in Borehamwood. Councillor Gary Porter CBE : Long-serving Councillor on South Holland District Council; since 2003 has been Council Leader.

Current Chairman of both the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Conservative Councillors Association – the first time any Councillor has been Chairman of both organisations simultaneously. Councillor Elizabeth Redfern: Longstanding Conservative Councillor, currently Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, where she holds the portfolio for Regeneration and Devolution. Rt Hon Andrew Robathan: Member of Parliament for Blaby (later South Leicestershire) for 23 years. Served in a number of senior Front Bench and government posts, including as Opposition Deputy Chief Whip, 2005 to 2010, and later as Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence and Northern Ireland Office. Kate Rock: Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party with special responsibility for business engagement. Non Executive Director of Imagination Technologies plc, the FTSE 250 technology company and Non Executive Director of children’s newspaper First News. Governor of Burlington Danes Academy in West London. Councillor Jane Scott OBE : Leader of Wiltshire Council unitary authority since June 2009 and, before that, of its predecessor, the former Wiltshire County Council, between 2003 and 2009.

Currently sits of the LGA’s Children and Young People’s Board, and is the County Council’s Network Spokesman for Children and Young People. Kevin Shinkwin: Longstanding voluntary sector professional, supporting charities including The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID, now Action on Hearing Loss); Macmillan Cancer Support; Cancer Research UK; and The Royal British Legion. Philip Smith CBE : Chief Executive of The Association of Conservative Clubs and the Committee of Registered Club Associations, an association which encompasses all of the main UK’s club organisations, representing all political, social and ex-service personnel clubs. Philippa Stroud: Special Adviser to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions since 2010, responsible for the development of the social justice agenda and the government’s welfare reform programme. Former Executive Director of the Bridge Project, a voluntary sector project that provided supported accommodation for the homeless, and a founder member and Executive Director of the Centre for Social Justice.

Rt Hon David Willetts: Member of Parliament for Havant, 1992 to 2015, during which time he served in a number of key Front Bench roles, including Paymaster General in John Major’s government and, most recently, as Minister for Universities and Science, 2010 to 2014. Chairs the British Science Association; has joined the Advisory Council of the President of the Royal Society; and is a Trustee of the Science Museum. Rt Hon Sir George Young Bt CH : Conservative Member of Parliament for Ealing Acton, 1974 to 1997, and North West Hampshire, 1997 to 2015. Former Minister for Housing and Planning; Financial Secretary to the Treasury; and Secretary of State for Transport in John Major’s government. More recently, Leader of the House of Commons and Government Chief Whip in David Cameron’s administration. Sir Alan Beith: Member of Parliament for Berwick-upon-Tweed for 42 years. Served in a number of Front Bench posts, including Deputy Leader, Chief Whip, and Treasury and Home Affairs Spokesperson. Chair of the Justice Select Committee in the last parliament.

Sharon Bowles: MEP for South East region, 2005 to 2014. Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Economic and Monetary Policy, 2009-2014. Non-Executive Director of the London Stock Exchange, 2014 to present. Sir Malcolm Bruce: MP for Gordon, 1983 to 2015. Served in a number of Front Bench posts, including Deputy Leader, and Treasury, Environment, and Education Spokesperson. Chair of the International Development Select Committee, 2005 to 2015. Lorely Burt: MP for Solihull, 2005 to 2015. First female Chair of the Liberal Democrat Party. Served as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in the coalition government. Variously Northern Ireland, women and equalities, and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills spokesperson. Rt Hon Sir Menzies ‘Ming’ Campbell CH , CBE , QC : MP for North East Fife, 1987 to 2015. Leader of the Liberal Democrats, 2006 to 2007.

Served on the Intelligence and Security Committee. Front bench roles include Foreign Affairs and Defence Spokesperson. As an athlete, represented the UK at the 1964 Olympics and captained the Scotland team at the 1966 Commonwealth Games. Lynne Featherstone: MP for Hornsey and Wood Green from 2005 to 2015. Served as Minister for the duration of the last coalition government – as Equalities and Home Office Minister and a Minister in the Department for International Development (DFID) – and oversaw legislation for equal marriage and 0.7% DFID spending. Don Foster: MP for Bath from 1992 to 2010. Highly successful front bench spokesman in opposition, and also served as a Minister for the Department for Communities and Local Government between 2012 to 2013. He was the Liberal Democrat Chief Whip between October 2013 and the 2015 general election. Jonny Oates: Served as Chief of Staff to the Deputy Prime Minister for the duration of the coalition government.

In opposition in the 2005 parliament he held senior communications and policy staff positions under both Menzies Campbell and Nick Clegg. Shas Sheehan: Served as a Councillor for the Kew ward between 2006 to 2010 where she was Assistant Cabinet Member for Energy and Climate Change. She is currently involved in a number of local community groups in Wimbledon and is a trustee of Merton and Lambeth Citizens Advice Bureau. Sir Andrew Stunell OBE : MP for Hazel Grove (1997 to 2015). In opposition, held a number of Front Bench roles and from 2010 to 2012 served as a Minster in the Department of Communities and Local Government. In 2010 he played a key role in the Liberal Democrat coalition negotiations. Dorothy Thornhill MBE : The first ever directly elected female Mayor in the UK when she was elected Liberal Democrat Mayor of Watford in 2002. She was re-elected in 2006, 2010 and 2014. She has held a number of senior roles on the Local Government Association including Deputy Chairwoman of the Association.

Rt Hon David Blunkett: MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough for 28 years. Served in a number of senior Cabinet posts, including as Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1997 to 2001) and Home Secretary (2001 to 2004). Formerly Councillor in and then Leader of Sheffield Council (1970 to 1988). Currently Vice President of the Royal National Institute of Blind People and the National Alzheimer’s Society. Rt Hon Alistair Darling: MP for Edinburgh South West for 28 years. Served in a number of Cabinet posts including as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1998 to 2002) , Transport (2002 to 2006), Scotland (2003 to 2006) and as Chancellor of the Exchequer (2007 to 2010). Mr Darling was appointed Chair of the Better Together Campaign in 2010. Rt Hon Peter Hain: MP for Neath for 24 years (1991 to 2015).

Served in a number of Cabinet posts including as Welsh Secretary (2002 to 2003), Leader of the House of Commons (2003 to 2005) and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (2007 to 2008). As Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (2005 to 2007) he oversaw the implementation of the peace process and the return of self government to Northern Ireland. Co-Founder of the anti-apartheid movement in the UK and leader of the ‘Stop the Seventy Tour’ campaign (1969 to 1970). Rt Hon Tessa Jowell DBE : Former social worker. MP for Dulwich and West Norwood for 23 years (1992 to 2015). Served in a number of senior government posts, including as a Minister of State in the Department of Education and Department of Health and as Minister for the Cabinet Office (2009 to 2010).

As Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport and Minister for the Olympics (2001 to 2009) oversaw the successful bid and preparations for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Spencer Livermore: Leading communications and strategy professional. Senior Labour Party strategist (1997 to 2008) and Director of Strategy to the Prime Minister (2007 to 2008). Senior campaign strategist for the Labour Party, including as Campaign Director of the 2015 general election campaign. Formerly Director of Strategy at Blue Rubicon and Senior Strategist at Saatchi & Saatchi. Paul Murphy: MP for Torfaen for 28 years (1987 to 2015). Served in a number of senior government posts, including as Secretary of State for Wales (1999 to 2002, 2008 to 2009) and as a Minister and then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1997 to 1999, 2000 to 2005). Former Chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee.

Received a Knight Commander of Merit in recognition of his commitment to peace in Northern Ireland. Rt Hon Dawn Primarolo DBE : MP for Bristol South for 28 years (1987 to 2015). Served in a number of senior government posts including as Financial Secretary to the Treasury (1997 to 1999), Paymaster General (1999 to 2007), and as Minister of State for Public Health (2007 to 2009) and Children, Young People and Families (2009 to 2010). Served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons and Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means (2010 to 2015). Dave Watts: MP for St Helens North for 18 years. Formerly leader of St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council, he served in a number of Parliamentary and government posts, including as a Government Whip and Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury (2008 to 2010). Appointed as Chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party (2012 to 2015).

Share this page 2016 Holyrood Elections - Kingdom FM - Fife's Feel Good Radio Station More from Local News Monday, January 26th, 2015 12:00pm Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie has been selected to represent North East Fife in the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections. The former MP was selected as a Holyrood list MSP in 2011 and has led the party since then. He was brought up in Strathmiglo and educated at Bell Baxter High School. Mr Rennie has pledged to place a strong emphasis on growing the fishing and tourism sectors as well as placing schools and colleges at the heart of the community. Speaking after the result was announced, Constituency Convener Iain Smith, who was Liberal Democrat MSP for North East Fife from 1999-2011, said "when I decided not to seek re-election I could think of no-one better to be our candidate than Willie Rennie. "Willie is a local lad who has a proven record of standing up for the people he represents. As Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader, he has built a reputation for punching above his weight.

Willie is just the sort of MSP that North East Fife needs, one that knows the area and the people and one who will put his constituency before his party. "I look forward to working will Willie Rennie over the coming months, firstly to make sure Tim Brett gets elected as our next MP this May, then to win North East Fife back in the Scottish Parliament elections next year." Sir Ming Campbell, MP for North East Fife, said: "Willie Rennie has proved himself to be one of the most effective MSPs a Holyrood. His command of his subject and his well-argued interventions and questions have earned respect from opponents and supporters alike. He will be an outstanding MSP for this constituency with a keen understanding of local issues and a willingness to represent all who seek his assistance." Ming Campbell's successor Tim Brett said: "I know we'll make a strong team for North East Fife as we've already been working closely together against the closure of Cupar Court, for better broadband and mobile service and for our local NHS.

With me in Westminster and Willie in Holyrood North East Fife's voice will be heard loud and clear." Speaking after his selection, Willie Rennie said: "It will be a great honour to represent in parliament the area where I grew up. "I am relishing the prospect of working with the critically important sectors in the constituency from the University to the schools and colleges; from agriculture and fishing to the tourism and small business sector and the huge range of voluntary organisations that are the heart of our communities. I also want to make sure there is a smooth transition of the army to Leuchars. Hidden by the beauty of the area are families struggling to make ends meet. I will speak up for them. "Areas like North East Fife are often ignored by government but I will make sure they can’t ignore us. I will stick up for North East Fife on issues of local and national concern." / About Ming Message from Menzies Campbell “This website is no longer active since I have retired from the House of Commons. I am delighted that Tim Brett is the Liberal Democrat candidate for North East Fife constituency and I urge the people of North East Fife to support him.

If elected I am certain he will be conscientious, effective and hard-working” Menzies Campbell Please enter a correct email Sign up

Question: Which former party leader is MP for North East Fife?
Answer: Menzies Campbell